In a city known for sunshine and surf, one restaurateur is channeling his Parisian roots to deliver something entirely different: a small, intimate space where guests can linger over wine pairings and classic French dishes.
Frenchy’s Hideout, located in Hillcrest at 142 W University Avenue, Suite C, and operated by longtime local hospitality veteran Michael Simpson, opened its doors in March 2025 and has already found a loyal following. Described by Simpson as a labor of love nearly three decades in the making, the restaurant offers a prix fixe menu, daily wine pairings, and an experience that feels more like dining in a tucked-away Paris bistro than a typical neighborhood eatery.
“I always had the ultimate goal of owning my own French restaurant,” Simpson tells What Now San Diego. “When the opportunity presented itself last December, my wife and I made the ultimate sacrifice. We sold our house and opened Frenchy’s Hideout.”
That leap was backed by nearly 30 years of experience in the San Diego restaurant scene. Simpson previously served as General Manager for respected spots including The French Gourmet, St Tropez Bakery, Croce’s, and others, all while deepening his knowledge in wine, hospitality, and restaurant operations.
But Frenchy’s Hideout wasn’t built overnight. “I’ve been working on this concept for years,” he says. “Taking notes on decor, recipes, ideas, experiences, and of course, the focus on wine.” The result is a restaurant that feels both personal and polished, with a clear attention to detail in both the food and guest experience.
The location itself, smaller than most, was a deliberate choice. “It reminded me of the small bistros in Paris where I grew up,” Simpson explains. “It felt like the perfect spot.” While the decision to open was somewhat impulsive, the neighborhood’s energy and charm made it feel right.
Since its launch, the restaurant has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Frenchy’s Hideout celebrated its six-month anniversary on September 21, and online reviews already reflect a strong reputation, averaging 4.9 stars across platforms like Yelp, Google, and OpenTable. Still, the journey hasn’t been without obstacles.
“The emotions are all over the place,” Simpson admits. “We’ve had incredible feedback and support, but also faced huge challenges.” From a broken walk-in cooler during a heat wave to an unexpected patio repair, the costs added up quickly. And like many new small business owners, Simpson wears multiple hats, working every day and struggling to find a healthy work-life balance. “It’s been hard to take a day off,” he says. “But overall, it’s gratifying.”
His wife has also played a crucial role in the business, managing the restaurant’s social media presence and collaborating on marketing efforts in her free time. “She’s been incredible,” Simpson says. “Even though she has a full-time job, she’s helping every day.”
Despite the tight margins and ongoing pressure to drive daily sales, Simpson says the most rewarding part of restaurant ownership has been twofold: fulfilling a lifelong dream and creating something meaningful for the community. “We’re not just offering great food. We’re creating memorable experiences,” he says.
Those experiences include wine pairing dinners, educational classes, and neighborhood events. The restaurant has also begun forming partnerships with local organizations, further deepening its roots in the community.
As for future plans? Simpson is focused on the here and now. “I don’t want to jump the gun,” he says with a laugh. “Right now it’s about building our customer base, curating wine events, and making sure we deliver an outstanding experience every single day.”
For those seeking to slow down, savor a thoughtful meal, and experience genuine hospitality, Frenchy’s Hideout offers a slice of France in the heart of San Diego.
